ethos
n. C / Un. the set of beliefs, ideas, or moral values that belong to a person or group. It describes the 'spirit' or character of a community.
n. the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations. Often refers to the underlying moral or aesthetic principles of a specific group.
The school's ethos focuses on hard work and kindness.
The company's ethos of transparency means that every employee knows exactly how much the executives earn.
The minimalist ethos of the 1960s art movement rejected the emotional intensity of abstract expressionism in favor of geometric clarity and industrial materials.
From Ancient Greek ἦθος (êthos, “character; custom, habit”). Cognate to Sanskrit स्वधा (svadhā́, “habit, custom”).
Often used in the singular with a definite or indefinite article; 'both' because it can refer to the abstract concept or specific sets of values.